Aircraft engine makers focus on efficiency

The Financial Times (5/22) reports, "Engine makers are in the vanguard of the charge" to increase fuel efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of the aviation industry. In particular, "the new turbofans being developed...offer the promise of sharply improved efficiency, and sharply reduced emissions." The article outlines the research and development, as well as the specific new designs, being undertaken by a number of the large global engine makers. Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), for example, is working on the PW810 turbofan, "the first" in its next generation of engines in the 10,000 lb thrust class." In addition to reduced emissions, "fuel burn is also 7-10 percent better than the current state of the art," according to officials. Similarly, "GE-Honda Aero Engines...has developed a turbofan, the HF120, that" is expected to produce "a fuel efficiency 20 percent better than its competitors." However, a program manager noted that "more buyers" were needed "to optimize...economics and cost of development."